 Re: Toss a newbie a bone - which equipment to buy?
Here are a couple of thoughts:
1. Buy a used press with a quality micro-registration system. The first place a newbie is tempted to save money is by buying a entry-level press without micros. It's certainly possible to get a job into registration without micros, it's just much, much more time-consuming. You'd be better off saving up for a used press with micros than to buy an entry-level table top press or the like. 100 shirts a day is a great goal for a newbie, and you'll find yourself MUCH happier with a press which features micros.
2. Spend the money on a quality flash unit. It'd be awesome if you could get a used conveyor dryer, but it's likely out of your price range to start. Regardless, make sure you buy a nice flash, since you're likely to be using it to both flash AND cure in the beginning. Don't waste your time by trying to use a heat gun to cure...you'll grow a long beard waiting for that to get the job done.
3. Buy a laser temp gun. They're very inexpensive at Harbor Freight, and will give you a good idea of when your shirts are cured. Also use the "stretch test" to back up your temp gun.
4. Get aluminum screens right from the start. They're a little more expensive, but nothing will set you back more quickly than a warped wooden frame.
5. You'll be surprised at how many ways you can save money by making things yourself. Don't bother buying a washout tub, just make one out of a used shower stall or utility sink. Hell, you can even use a shower curtain and a floor drain with filter. Don't buy a dip tank, make one out of a cut-off 55 gal barrel. Build your own screen drying racks or just use stacked 2 x 4 blocks. Build your own high-quality exposure unit with a 1000-watt metal halide lamp. Instructions for all of these items exist on these forums.
That's a pretty good start. Talk with as many experienced screenprinters as you can--they've got good advice which will save you time and money. Good luck! | 
